Schaumburg Youth Orchestra to hold auditions for 2021-22

The Schaumburg Youth Orchestra will hold auditions via video submission for its 2021-22 season. Auditions will be accepted through Monday, Aug. 2.

Since 1989, thousands of students have enriched their playing outside of their school music programs through the award-winning orchestra. Celebrated regionally and internationally through overseas concert tours, the orchestras provide comprehensive orchestral training, not only for students who plan on continuing their music studies past high school, but also for those who participate in other activities outside of music.

"The program is a perfect musical outlet for well-rounded students who want to stick with other extracurricular activities, and we respect their other commitments," says Schaumburg Cultural Services Director Jack Netter.

"Alternatively, for those who really want to dig in and concentrate on their playing, the SYO's chamber music program provides more intensive training in addition to the focused direction they get in their orchestra ensemble."

SYO members who chose to continue their studies past high school have gone on to study at top music conservatories and later play in leading orchestras around the country, while others have become school orchestra teachers themselves.

SYO members' families can also take advantage of competitively affordable tuition rates, starting at only $325. Financial assistance and payment installment plans are available. The SYO's scholarship program also helps fund music-related expenses and program tuition.

To audition, each student will be asked to provide a video recording of musical scales, an extract of a piece selected by the student, and "sight-reading" materials that are posted on the orchestra's website.

Selected students will be placed into one of four ensembles that best matches his or her playing level. Rehearsals will begin in early September at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, where the groups also perform.

Program administrators will be taking precautionary measures with regards to social distancing and ventilation to enhance the safety of all members.

Full details on the Schaumburg Youth Orchestra are available at www.schaumburgyouthorchesra.org.

The Schaumburg Youth Orchestra is a program of the village of Schaumburg.

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